Kempegowda Jayanti: Oxen Parade Revives Bengaluru’s Heritage Tradition

Fast Summary

• bengaluru witnessed the revival of Bandi Devara Utsava,a bullock cart procession,on the eve of Kempegowda Jayanti.
• Decorated carts pulled by 10 pairs of oxen traversed from BBMP headquarters at NR Square to Kempegowda’s statue near Vidhana Soudha, passing through Cubbon Park.
• The event celebrated agrarian traditions and aimed to reconnect youth with Karnataka’s cultural heritage, mainly it’s roots in the Vokkaliga community.
• Highlights included customary performances such as Yakshagana, Veeragase, Patakunitha, Karadi Kunitha, Dollu Kunitha artists showcasing colorful costumes and dances.
• Carts carried an Okala deepa (huge lamp made from rice flour) and sweets; these were distributed near vidhana Soudha. Men and women dressed traditionally participated in the procession.
• Organizers emphasized teaching younger generations about Nadaprabhu Kempegowda’s history beyond bengaluru’s image as a tech city.
• Researcher Thalakaadu Chikkarange Gowda explained that bullock carts hold past significance for farmers and are closely tied to Kempegowda’s lineage originating from Aavthi.

!Image: Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The revival of Bandi Devara Utsava during Kempegowda Jayanti underscores a growing effort to preserve and highlight Karnataka’s rich cultural legacy amidst Bengaluru’s modern identity as India’s Silicon Valley. By incorporating bullock carts-a deep-rooted agrarian symbol-and traditional art forms like Yakshagana into public spectacles, organizers provide an immersive experience that bridges generational gaps in preserving history.

This initiative is significant because while bengaluru has rapidly urbanized with glass buildings replacing farmland vistas since Nadaprabhu Kempegowda founded the city centuries ago, events like this remind residents of its origins tied to labour-intensive agriculture shaped by communities such as Vokkaligas. Moreover, introducing youth unfamiliar with this heritage could foster local pride amid global narratives defining Bengaluru solely through its tech ecosystem.

The use of symbolism-such as oxen representing agrarian dedication-provides visual reinforcement for attendees while seeking minimal disruption amidst heavy traffic flow or daily routines dominated by modernization trends. such celebrations can play a pivotal role not just in honoring historical figures but also educating both locals and tourists about foundational layers beneath present-day urban life.